It’s a holiday weekend and movie studios are taking advantage of that fact. G.I. Joe: Retaliation comes out today and had special early showings last night, trying to bring in the extra bucks. Check it out, along with the rest of this weekend’s film slate.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

The sequel to GI Joe: Rise of Cobra finally arrives after much delay in the name of adding 3D and possibly more Channing Tatum. This one picks up where the first left off, though it throws most of the original cast and characters out the window. With a new director, a new style, and heavyweights Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis, they’re gunning to make up for the first films dismal reputation.

When the Joes are nearly wiped out by their own government, it’s up to the few survivors to exact revenge and save the country. Placing the White House under control of the bad guy for the second time this year, the movie looks like fun but isn’t getting much in the way of positive press. I’m sure there’s plenty of action to be found at least, and some eye candy, but I was unable to screen this one to find out whether there is anything more to this sequel to make it worth your time.

Trailer

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The Host

Written and directed by Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, In Time, S1m0ne) The Host is based on the novel of the same name by Twilight’sStephanie Meyer.

Earth is nearly 100% at peace, perfect in every way – save for the fact that humans are no longer in control of their own bodies. A parasitic race of aliens known as “souls” has taken over the planet, bringing peace and order to chaos by effectively wiping out the contagiousness of the entire human race, taking command of their bodies. There are a few survivors scattered across the globe though that have evaded capture and we are introduced to one of them – Melanie Stryder (Saoirse Ronan) – just as she is taken and infected with a soul, becoming it’s host.

In the end, this movie carries a “mostly harmless” vibe. It never commits a serious enough crime to warrant hate, but it is by no means good. I found myself enjoying it, for lack of a better term, mostly due to the fact that I found the premise interesting and the lead likable. The ending begs for a sequel and unless this one flops, I’m sure there will be and I might just be interested enough to watch. Maybe. Read my full review here.

Trailer

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Tyler Perry’s Temptation

In a rare dramatic turn for Tyler Perry, Temptation is based on his play Confessions of aMarriage Counselor. A marriage counselor becomes bored with her life and marriage to her childhood sweetheart. One day she meets a client that changes everything as she launches into a torrid affair that will change everything.

I can’t say I’m a fan of Tyler Perry. I think the only movie involving him that I like is 2009’s Star Trek. I bet you didn’t know he was in that. Nobody knows why. The movie looks well put together, if predictable with where things will head, but it is certainly not my thing. If drama and romance are your thing and Nicholas Sparks is too clean and cliche, this could fit your bill if it’s any good. I haven’t seen any reviews yet, however, and almost zero marketing, which is probably not a good sign.